The Last Kiss for 'Twilight'

Director, creator praise final film in the franchise

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Having the original storyteller gush about your film can make even a seasoned director blush. Just ask Bill Condon.

Director of both parts one and two of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, the final chapters in a $3.3 billion box office giant, Condon smiled after hearing “Twilight” series author Stephenie Meyer say his films “matched what was in my head.”

“I’ve been very aware with [The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2], compared to other movies [I directed], that you’re making this for people who love it,” the Dreamgirls and Kinsey director said. “The real challenge was making sure it was a satisfying climax.”

With more than $290 million at the domestic box office (and throw in $532.5 million overseas), “Twilight” fans appeared more than satisfied with the final installment of the fantasy romance involving Bella, Edward and Jacob.

Now Lionsgate and Summit Entertainment are hoping for one last “Twilight” climax with the March 2 disc release of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2, at midnight, with lines of fans outside retailers nationwide, of course.

Lionsgate pegs “Twilight” as the top-selling home entertainment franchise since 2009, with more than 116 million DVD and Blu-ray Disc sales worldwide to date, and “Twilight” Friday night disc-release events have been the envy of studios since the first party in March 2009.

“‘The Twilight Saga’ has changed the way studios and audiences look at the blockbuster, even altering how Hollywood rolls out its films,” Ron Schwartz, EVP and GM of home entertainment for Lionsgate, said in a press release. “Making the home entertainment release as much of an event as the theatrical release gives our passionate fans an opportunity to celebrate this much-beloved film all over again.”

The Blu-ray and two-disc DVD will both include UltraViolet, along with a seven-part making-of documentary, the featurette “Two Movies at Once,” a commentary by Condon and more.

Also due March 2 is a new extended edition of Breaking Dawn — Part 1 on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download.
For some involved with the final film, it was more fun than actual work.

Michael Sheen (Aro) was initially excited to share with his daughter, Lily, that he was part of the franchise.

“When I first told her I was going to be playing Aro, I thought she was going to be really excited. But she was annoyed,” he said.

He may have taken something away from his daughter’s “Twilight” fiction universe by appearing in the film franchise, he admits … but he still joked about the work itself.

“Who wants to live forever? It’s boring,” he said, smiling. “[And] I really creep myself out in this film.”

For series author Meyer, there was no joking about the conclusion. It was bittersweet, especially since she’ll likely never work again with leads Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

“I’m a hands-on mom, and these kids really feel like my children in some ways,” she said.

For Condon, he’s just glad to please the fans who made the franchise such a success from day one.

“It’s young-adult fiction. It’s not Batman. You have to remember that,” he said. “It’s a fantastical story, but also a very intimate one.”